The response to “He’s fine…he’s a teenager” is “I’m sorry.” Those were some of the best and worst times . . . and as parents, we know there are some touch and go moments with teens in the house! Dave Barry’s line, “I’m sorry,” touches on some deeper reality, the heartfelt love and compassion foundContinue reading ““Oh, he’s fine…He’s a teenager.””
Tag Archives: #Minnesota
“And the intelligence of . . . “
One of my all time favorite descriptions of a dog was reading Patrick F. McManus’ description of the mangy family dog’s antics outside the dining room window while the family ate with their invited guest, the parish priest. I recall tears streaming down my face & I believe I was asked to leave the classroom.Continue reading ““And the intelligence of . . . “”
How loud is “loud enough to stun cattle?” And who would want to?
Exaggeration and Incongruity play an important part in writing funny. With this simple line, Dave Barry tells us about the character–whom we’ve all had pull up next to us in traffic–and he takes it to another humorous level. Sound systems and Stunning Cattle aren’t generally paired. With the right set-up, it’s a bizzarre exaggeration thatContinue reading “How loud is “loud enough to stun cattle?” And who would want to?”
“He had a nice efficient swing.”
When I taught film and theater, we spent considerable time evaluating, writing, and producing laughs using the “7 Causes of Laughter.” (You can find other sites and sources that will tell you there are six, or ten. I chose seven because it’s a nice even number.) Every list includes Exaggeration, Ambiguity, Recognition, and every juniorContinue reading ““He had a nice efficient swing.””
Alike in the way they’re different.
This was another simple and absurd description. When we draw parallels we frequently compare like things. Adams choosing to write “these two things are similar because their not” caught me pleasantly off guard. I’ve been looking for some funny books of late–the kind that make you laugh out loud. They’re hard to come by. ItContinue reading “Alike in the way they’re different.”
I wish I had a daughter, so …”
The Marx Brothers were masters at subtle and belittling humor. Often the recipients didn’t know they had been verbally assaulted. Here are a few examples: “I never forget a face, but in your case I’ll be glad to make an exception.” “You know, I’d buy you a parachute if I knew it wouldn’t open.” “RememberContinue reading “I wish I had a daughter, so …””
Forced Poetry Appreciation
Having read my share of bad poetry . . . I did laugh at this one. Imagining torture in the form of Poetry Appreciation, and tying the participants to their chairs is brilliant. Every junior high kid in a lit class has felt like those prisoners. I’ve been looking for some funny books of late–theContinue reading “Forced Poetry Appreciation”
Sexy Road Kill?
This description made me chuckle again. Authors sometimes painstakingly craft a person’s looks and attitudes. Here, Adams pulls it off in a sentence, but comparing two dissimilar things. As delicious as spoiled milk. As cuddly as a porcupine. As much sex appeal as a road accident. (Douglas’ description is better.) I’ve been looking for someContinue reading “Sexy Road Kill?”
Gargling … and fighting wolves.
I found myself trying to replicate this. What would that sound like? Gargling is humorous an casual. Fighting of wolves might involve a terrifying mix of animal and human howling. because of that juxtaposition, I loved the description. Plus it let me use juxtaposition in a blog post! I’ve been looking for some funny booksContinue reading “Gargling … and fighting wolves.”
“…predilection for little fur hats.”
Describing characters in a clear and memorable way can be a challenge. Adams’ protagonist is a traveller, and the characters frequently get a succinct but satisfying description. Genghis Kahn arouses thoughts of miltary strength and brutality. Few recall a pot belly or little fur hats, and yet this works. Love the shift away from ourContinue reading ““…predilection for little fur hats.””
“…forgot about it for six years.”
As an author or creative, how do you hold on to those brilliant ideas? I used to keep a small notebook with me to jot them down. Nowadays, I tend to email or text myself–and those messages promptly get buried beneath piles of other texts and emails… I’ve been looking for some funny books ofContinue reading ““…forgot about it for six years.””